Turkey's automotive sector, at the heart of its export industry - many Renaults and Toyotas sold in Europe are also assembled there - was hit by a sharp slowdown in key export markets and weak domestic demand in 2009, but rebounded this year.

Fiat Auto and Koc Holding , Turkey's biggest conglomerate, each own 38% of Tofas, whose manufacturing is based in the northwestern city of Bursa.